The jacket is more or less as it was before, now with half a lining (I screwed up part of it with overly large seam allowances) and the beginnings of a fancy collar (with tissue paper stuck underneath so you can see it) However, it stopped feeling like play-time and started to be a slog, so I set it aside for a little while. |
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Instead, I started in on NewLook 6674, a wrap dress. I figured it would require minimal fitting, and the simple lines would be good for a very busy print I've been trying to find a use for. (Does one refer to the pattern of a batik as a print? hmm.. I think not. perhaps just pattern. ) Anyhow, this pattern, print or whatever we're calling it reminds me of space, all blues, purples and turquoises on a dark blue field, arranged in patterns of concentric circles and generalized dots. (I haven't gotten a good picture of it yet.) Anyhow, my first attempt at fitting it, using the darts marked in red was an unparalleled disaster. I had puffy bust like you wouldn't believe ... well, given you can see the fairly bizarre dart placement, I'm sure you can. (and this is despite a quickie muslin) When I found myself plotting to make it into a skirt instead, I immediately pulled out my seam ripper and started again... this time I did the dart and crop marked in green. It lead to a much smoother fit, but a far and away lower neckline. (we're talking nearly to the bottom of my bust here, hence no pictures at the moment. While there is a time and a place for a low cut dress, I'm not sure that pictures on the internet are the one I'm going to go with just now. ) Due to the nature of the neckline, a standard tank won't work underneath it for general wear, so I plan to make what I can only describe as a breast-band. Think of an O, made of knit or somesuch and about 5 inches high that I could pull on over my bust and won't need straps -- me thinks this ought to work. Other than the absurdly deep neckline, I rather like this pattern and will probably make it up again... although I will be adding a bit more to the front when I do.
And finally, gratuitous fabric post. Remember back in, maybe April* when I finished stash-bast mark one, and decided I was allowed a treat? Here it is! (and by gosh and by golly, as it ANOTHER blue batik? will wonders never cease?) scissors are hanging out for scale.
*I'd link, but google+ is still digesting my pictures. So think happy thoughts of regurgitation.
That is a gorgeous fabric---and some crazy alterations! I think what you're describing is called a bandeau, at least when it's a separate bra-ish-type garment. Will you tack it inside the dress to keep it up (always my issue) or keep it as a separate underthing?
ReplyDeleteI agree that a batik isn't really a print, but I feel like if I say pattern instead I'm going to confuse someone who's thinking about patterns as in the paper shapes we use to cut our garments out. I have not yet found a satisfactory solution to this problem. :)